A Photographic Journey Through Disney’s Fantasy Ship

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It’s no secret that I love Disney Cruise Line. No, I don’t work for Disney or get any money for recommending them but I wish I could make a commission from all of the cruises I have sold simply by wearing my Disney Cruise t-shirt and enthusiastically answering the inevitable question the shirt provokes, “Would you recommend a Disney Cruise?”

Why yes, I would! I have sailed on Disney’s Magic, Dream, and most recently on their newest ship, Fantasy. I set sail on Disney’s Fantasy on a 3-night preview cruise for media, travel agents, and their families or friends. Because I didn’t want to spend the money to fly the whole family to Florida, and because my three best friends and my sister were all unable to accompany me for varying reasons, I went solo. Was it lonely? A bit. Was it incredible nonetheless? You bet your mouse ears it was!

Cruising alone enabled me to really take notice of the fantastical details on this ship without distraction. (Plus, I got to enjoy some Disney Fantasy nightlife with some fellow solo cruisers!) Here are some photos of my discoveries.

This gorgeous Atrium Lobby with its peacock chandelier and matching carpet is the first thing you see when boarding the ship.

The AquaDuck Water Coaster and nearby yellow Mickey’s Pool Slide attract eager sliders all day long.

I was surprised to find the unique-to-Fantasy AquaLab empty. I suspect that on full sailings this area near the entry to the AquaDuck will attract more splashers seeking a reprieve from full pools and the Caribbean sun.

I caught a glimpse of the totes swanky teen-only Vibe Sundeck from the at-sea spa. No adults are allowed in (besides counselors) because that’d be, like, so uncool.

These gorgeous nature-inspired ceiling lights set the tone at Senses Spa & Salon.

Disney is always working to step it up a notch, like by adding rain shower-heads in stateroom bathrooms (a luxurious cruise ship treat) and unique at-sea circle-shaped bathtubs (perfect for bathing young cruisers).

This nautical Minnie Mouse ensemble is just one example of the numerous costumes available as part of princess makeover packages at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Boys (and girls) can opt for pirate packages too.

There are two adult-only restaurants available on board Fantasy — Palo and Remy. Reservations, fancier garb, a supplemental fee and a big appetite are required. This is just one of three plates of food I savored during brunch at Palo.

Feel like you are immersed in a bottle of bubbly at the French Ooh La La Champagne Bar. This is just one of several European-themed bars and nightclubs on board.

Every drink tastes better with a glowing “ice cube” in it, don’t you think? This photo of me was taken at Currents bar on the 12th deck above the adult-only Quiet Cove Pool. It’s one of my favorite places on the ship. Cheers!

Do you have any questions about Disney’s new ship, Fantasy, or about Disney Cruise Line in general? Bring it! Please leave your question or comment and I’ll be happy to respond!

A note from the Travel Mama: Thank you to Disney Cruise Line for inviting me to sail on Fantasy!

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About Colleen Lanin

Colleen Lanin is the founder/editor-in-chief of TravelMamas.com. As the author of her book, "The Travel Mamas' Guide," she teaches parents not only how to survive a trip with children, but also how to love exploring the world with their offspring. Her stories have appeared online and in print for such outlets as the "Today" show, NBCNews.com, Parenting Magazine, Orlando Sentinel, Chicago Tribune, Expedia, San Diego Family Magazine, and more. Colleen gives tips on television, radio, and as a public speaker. She has a master’s degree in business administration with a background in marketing. She lives in Arizona with her husband and two kids.

It looks fabulous! The one time that we cruised Disney was on the Magic when my daughters were 9 and 2.5. Now that I have a teenager, I would love to know what teens think of their private space. Do you know anyone that has cruised the Fantasy or the Dream with a teenager?

Lisa – I can’t think of anyone I know personally who cruised Fantasy or Dream with a teenager. You might want to check out the Disney boards at http://www.CruisCritic.com or the Passporter boards – surely there are plenty of peeps who have done this who could let you know what their teens thought. When I did a 10-night Disney Cruise through the Mediterranean in 2007 we met a few families with tweens/teens. Every year these three families pick a different spot and travel together. This was their first cruise and they LOVED it. They said their teens were in heaven. I think teens like it because they have their own space and can meet others of the same age rather than being stuck with boring ol’ mom & dad!

I want to be on the same commission plan that you’re on, because there’s no end to the number of people that I’ve recommended the Disney Cruise line to. The new ship look amazing. I’m noticing there’s no pictures of you on the AquaDuck though. Saving those for a later post? 🙂

My parents are in their mid 80’s and we have been doing adult family trips for 10 years. How do I convince them that a family trip with their 18 great grandchildren would be great on a Disney Cruise? Ages 6 months to13 Years

Hi there! I'm Colleen Lanin, the founder of Travel Mamas. I launched this family travel blog in 2009 to help parents better connect with their kids and the world through travel and beyond. I love being a mom, traveling, swimming in fabulous hotel pools, and doing Pilates so I can eat lots of gluten-free dessert. Click on the pic to learn more about moi!